Chris Evans, best known for portraying the iconic role of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has officially stepped away from the superhero franchise.
The actor, who played Steve Rogers for nearly a decade, has put to rest any speculation about his return to the blockbuster series.
The last major Marvel film featuring Evans was Avengers: Endgame, released in 2019. The movie marked a significant turning point for his character, as Steve Rogers passed on his legendary shield to Sam Wilson, also known as Falcon, who is now played by Anthony Mackie. This symbolic moment signified Rogers’ departure from his heroic duties and paved the way for a new Captain America in the MCU.
Recent rumors suggested that Evans might make a comeback in the upcoming 2026 Avengers movie. However, the actor has now clarified that he has no plans to return, firmly stating that he is “happily retired” from the Marvel franchise.
Back in 2023, during an interview with GQ, Evans expressed his deep appreciation for his time as Captain America but emphasized that any potential return would need to be meaningful rather than just a financial move.
“I’ll never say never, just because it was such a wonderful experience. But I’m also very precious with it. It’s something that I am very proud of,” Evans said.
He further elaborated on his stance, explaining that he wouldn’t want to tarnish the legacy of his character by returning for the wrong reasons. “Sometimes I can’t believe it even happened. And I wouldn’t want the black eye if it felt like a cash grab or if it didn’t live up to expectations or if it just felt like it wasn’t connected to that original thing,” he added.
While Evans has distanced himself from reprising his role as Captain America in full capacity, he did make a surprise cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The brief appearance delighted fans, though it was not an indication of a larger Marvel return.
For now, Evans remains content with his post-Marvel career, focusing on new creative projects and personal endeavors.